More from Football

Seagulls miss out on Ribas

Brighton were among those in the running to land Sebastian Ribas before the Uruguayan striker took the decision to link up with Monaco.

By Patrick Haond

Last Updated: 30/07/12 11:16am

Sebastian Ribas: Has linked up with Monaco on loan

Brighton were among those in the running to land Sebastian Ribas before the Uruguayan striker took the decision to link up with Monaco.

Ajaccio believed that they were leading the chase for the 24-year-old forward once it became apparent that Genoa would once again be looking to move him on.

The Ligue 1 outfit put a deal in place, but were unable to get the official paperwork signed.

A late move from Brighton left them empty-handed, but the Championship outfit were also pipped to the post as Monaco landed Ribas on a season-long loan.

Offer

Reflecting on an intriguing transfer saga, Ajaccio chairman Alain Orsoni told L'Equipe: "We agreed terms with the player. I had a phone call with his father and they were delighted. We even booked his plane ticket to come over.

"But in the same night, I got a phone call from one of his agents telling me that he wouldn't be coming.

"Brighton, a Championship team, had made a bid and were offering him €900,000-a-year tax-free.

"Of course we could not match that, and then Monaco showed an interest."